Flood threat subsides

The weather bureau says the threat of flash flooding from rising river levels in the Mackay region, in north Queensland, has eased.

John McIllwham from the Mackay weather office says river levels rose steadily yesterday, but the latest readings from Bakers Creek, Dumbleton and Sandy Creek shows levels are falling.

A flood warning is still current for coastal streams and creeks between Townsville and Mackay.

Mr McIllwham says there are no concerns about flooding along the Pioneer River, despite falls of up to 300 millimetres in the valley.

"The forecast is for our rain and showers to decrease to isolated showers by Thursday," he said.

"Might get a bit more precipitation come Friday and Saturday, but at this stage not anticipating any drama with the Pioneer River."

Graziers in the central highlands say this week's rain was desperately needed.

Joy Deguara, who owns a property east of Nebo, says she had 55mm overnight, with a total of 260mm since Christmas.

She says these are the first decent falls they have recorded since March last year, and it has lifted the spirits in the grazing community.

"You can actually see a future when you can look outside, [see] green grass and know that cattle have got something to eat, because most people in the district have been feeding for a long time now," she said.

"In this area we've been able to stop feeding, but further out I believe they've just had enough showers to get cattle off feed for a little while - off licks.

"But people are talking about having to put them back on if they don't get some follow up."